57 stock wiring trouble

[Hafrod]

Hi guys, I am trying to use my factory wiring harness in my 57. I bought a new replacement 57 headlight switch and it is no good. I went this morning and bought a newer model GM headlight switch. I have shielded spade connectors on the wires. I have an ORANGE wire that I don't know where it goes!!! I traced it to the stock fuse panel but what is this ORANGE wire for? I only have one more outlet on the headlight swith and it is for parking lights, so when the knob is pulled out all the way for headlights, that connector has nothing. I have headlights,turn signals, tail and brake lights. I've got a factory wiring diagram but it doesn't tell me what the ORANGE wire to the headlight switch is for! HELP!!!

[57guy]

I didn't look real close but see if this wiring diagram will be of benefit to you.....

Kevin

http://www.tocmp.com/tOCMP/wiring/5765wiring%20diagrams/Chevrolet/MWireChev57_3WD-057.jpg

[acardon]

The orange wire from the fuse block originally provided power to the tail and dash lights. The dash light power went through the tail light switch, rheostat, and small 3 amp fuse on the light switch, then to the dash lights.
If you have all the lights working includeing the dash lights, you don't need the wire to the switch, but the orange wire circuit from that fuse on the fuse block also provides power to the dome light and brake lights.
The original 57 switch provided circuit breaker protection for the headlights and the orange wire fuse provided fuse protection to the dash and tail lights. With a later model switch, I wonder if you have any fuse protection in the switch because some later model cars had a circuit breaker on the fuse block for the headlight switch. :confused:
This is probably more than you wanted to know....but.... the reason GM put the dash lights on the tail, stop and dome light circuit is if the dash lights and domelight went out, the tail, and stop lights may also be out, giving you a warning that you may not have any lights in the rear.

[Chevynut]

Hi guys, I am trying to use my factory wiring harness in my 57.

Personally, I think a 50+ year old wiring harness should be replaced. It's wires are under-rated for any upgrades, and the insulation is probably hard as a rock. I consider it a safety issue. ;)

[210ratrod]

Does your dome light(s) work? There is also an orange circuit from the light switch that powers the clock and glovebox light.


Tim

[Hafrod]

OK guys, I replaced all the ignition switch wiring with new bigger wires. The rest is original. One of my problems is - my brake lights and dome lights only work with the IGNITION ON! I think I need to plug the main fuse panel power wire onto a batt outlet on the ign switch. I have the wire plugged into ACC. Also is the glove box light ign or batt?

[Chevynut]

You can probably answer a lot of your own questions by studying the wiring diagram that's linked above. ;)

The glove box light is always hot, as are brake and dome lights. They get their power from the headlight switch, at least on a 56.

[acardon]

One of my problems is - my brake lights and dome lights only work with the IGNITION ON! I think I need to plug the main fuse panel power wire onto a batt outlet on the ign switch. I have the wire plugged into ACC. Also is the glove box light ign or batt?

Yes, the black and red wires in this drawing are on a common buss on the switch. The black wire provides power from the battery and the red wire goes to the fuse box, headlight switch and everything else with constant power. http://www.trifive.com/garage/57%20Chevy%20Assembly%20Manual/12-7.gif

[Hafrod]

I did have the wrong fuse panel power hooked up! I plugged it onto the BATT output on the ign switch and now my dome and brakelights work WITHOUT the key on!!!!! I got alot of stuff working - cigarette lighter after major cleaning, glove box light, etc. !!!!!!! This thing is getting ready to drive around the block! :tu

[acardon]

:tu :tu :cool: